Intro to Backpacking

As low as:

$640.00 / person

(at 6:1 ratio) Next Trip: Jul 22 - 24, 2024

STRENUOUSNESS
TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY

Upcoming Trips

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Jul 22 - 24, 2024
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5 spots available. $640.00

Location: Paradise Meadows and Forbidden Plateau area

Add-ons

Navigation Kit $30.00

Includes a map and compass

Cook Kit $50.00

Includes a camp stove, fuel and a pot.

Camp Kit $45.00

Includes a 3-season tent and a sleeping mat.

About

ABOUT

This course was designed for beginner- to intermediate-level hikers looking to advance their confidence and competency in the mountains. Over the course of three days, participants will hone their ability to plan, prepare and pursue future adventures ranging from alpine day trips to multi-week expeditions. Along the way, we’ll explore the iconic alpine of Vancouver Island, learning as we go and hiking a peak or two along the way.

Sample Curriculum *content may vary depending on the instructor and/or weather conditions.

Outdoor Skills

Leave No Trace
Pack fitting & loading
Campsite selection
Tent and tarp pitching
Sanitation
Personal hygiene
Stove use and care
Wilderness cooking
Food & medicinal plant identification
First aid
Survival skills
Wildlife – identification, use of spray & other deterrents, food storage

Wilderness Travel

Trail technique
Risk mitigation
Hazard evaluation
Route planning
Route finding
Map reading
Compass & GPS navigation
Weather
River crossings

Questions? Check out our FAQ page for details about our booking and cancellation policy, and other commonly asked questions.

Logistics

Location

Typical trips leave from the Raven Lodge at Mount Washington and explore the area around Paradise Meadows and Forbidden Plateau. From here, we will hike peaks such as Mount Albert Edward, Castlecraig, and Mount Frink.

Note that the exact destination and location will be determined by weather conditions, time of year, your instructor, as well as group desires and needs. If the location of your trip differs from what is noted above, it will be stated on the booking tab.

Exact meeting details will be provided in a pre-trip email sent one-week prior to your course.

Itinerary

This trip will run over 3 days and 2 nights, with an evening trip planning session held approximately one-week prior.

Evening session:

A 90-minute virtual pre-trip planning meeting will be scheduled approximately one-week prior to your course over Zoom. In this session you will discuss route planning and selection, food logistics, gear requirements, and other important considerations. Typically sessions go from 18:30 to 20:00, unless otherwise stated.

Day 1:

Meet your instructor at 08:30 at the specified location. Here you will sign waivers and go through an orientation. Once everyone is ready, you will set off towards your camp. Curriculum delivery and schedule will be determined by the group and the instructor.

Day 2:

Curriculum delivery and schedule will be determined by the group and the instructor, but typically groups pick a peak as an objective for the day.

Day 3:

Curriculum delivery and schedule determined by the group and the instructor, aiming to return the to the cars by 16:00.

Exact meeting details will be provided in a pre-trip email sent one-week prior to your course.

Questions? Check out our FAQ page for details, or send us an email.

Requirements

This course is suitable for beginners and intermediates, and is almost entirely field-based.

Please be prepared to:

Spend three days and two nights outside in variable conditions — including in rain, snow, and hot weather (see gear list)
Travel uphill, covering up to 700 metres of vertical gain while carrying a load of approximately 30 lbs over sections which may include bush, snow, and rough terrain
Spend up to 6 hours on your feet

Questions about the suitability of this course? Send us an email. We’re happy to help you find or customize courses to suit your needs.

Gear List

Temperatures on this trip could range from -5°C at night to around 25°C (+) during the day.

Please ensure all clothing and equipment are in good repair, and that your boots and backpack are fitted properly to you. We encourage you to reach out with any questions you have about gear:

Clothing

Long underwear (top and bottom), poly-pro, wool or silk
Mid-weight jacket, wool, fleece, synthetic or down
Rain gear (jacket and pants)
Toque, wool or fleece
T-shirt or long-sleeved shirt (white or other light colour), synthetic
Lightweight hiking pants, nylon or similar
Gloves

Footwear

Hiking boots (suitable for carrying a 30 lb. load over rough terrain - make sure these are properly fitted)
2 x pairs of socks, wool or synthetic blend
2 x pairs of liner socks, poly-pro or silk (optional)
Gaiters that fit your boots (optional)
Lightweight camp shoes (optional)

Sleeping

Sleeping bag (warm to -5°C)
Therm-a-rest or other sleeping pad (available for rent)
3-season tent (available for rent)

Cooking

Small cooking pot (available for rent)
Fuel canister (available for rent)
Stove (available for rent)
Lighter
2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners, various snacks (meal planning covered in pre-trip). For tasty, nutritous and locally pre-made dinners check out https://wildedgeketo.com/
Eating vessel and utensils

Pack

50L+ backpack with waist belt (please make sure this is properly fitted)

Other

Topographic map (available for rent) - the map you use will depend on the area we hold this course — we will indicate which map to bring in our pre-trip correspondence
Mirrored compass (available for rent)
Sun hat
Sunglasses with 100% UV block
Sunscreen
SPF lip balm
Toothbrush and a small container of toothpaste
2 x 1 litre water bottles (or a 2L bladder)
Water purification system
Pocket knife
Stuff sack (big enough to hold all your food and toiletries - this will be used for a bear hang)
Paracord (50ft)
Head-lamp with spare batteries
Small first aid kit (optional)
Hiking poles (optional)
Reading material (optional)
Camera (optional)
Feminine hygiene supplies (if needed)
Spare prescription glasses (if needed)
Hand sanitizer

Your instructor will carry emergency gear, medical supplies, and a communication device. You are welcome to bring a small first aid kit of your own with personal items (i.e. blister kits, medications, etc.).

Rentals

The following items are available for rent as an “Add On” when you book (or upon request). These are available on a first come, first serve basis:

Camp Kit (includes tent and sleeping mat) - $45.00
Cook Kit (includes pot, stove and fuel) - $50.00
Navigation Kit (includes map and compass) - $30.00

If you require items that are not on this list, you might also consider checking out Sports Rent in Victoria: sportsrentbc.com